Organic Gardening Course

What can be more useful than knowing how to grow your own food? A small plot of land can produce an amazing bounty of fresh vegetables and a well tended garden looks beautiful, too.

Alyson has a degree in Agricultural Sciences and 20 year’s experience running her own organic vegetable farm. She is happy to share the benefit of her experience with you, whether you grow in a few containers on your deck or are thinking of starting your own farm.

Part 1: Introduction to Organics

Organic principles and how to apply them to your garden.

Create biodiversity and work with nature

Use Permaculture

Choose a location for your garden and prepare the ground

Garden in small spaces

Turn your garden into a thriving ecosystem.

Part 2: How to grow healthy vegetables

Creating healthy soil and a healthy environment for your garden

Soil health = plant health

Making great compost

Soil fertility and soil building

Cover crops and green manures

Growing vegetables that are nutritious and hold their own against pests, disease and weeds

Part 3: What to grow, how much and where to put it?

Organic vegetable garden design including:

Choosing crops appropriate to our climate

What, where and how much?

Crop families and crop rotations

Choosing seed and appropriate tools

Season extension

Basic seed saving

Create a garden that has enough beans but not too much zucchini!

Part 4: Pests, Diseases and Weeds

Common challenges faced by organic gardeners and what to do about them